Wildcat pride and a Warrior spirit

Born in Haiti and orphaned at a young age, Divenson Willis ’24 never imagined he’d be going to a university. But encouragement from his athletic coaches helped land him at Linfield due to the strength of its athletics program and the small class sizes.

“The small class size was very appealing. I learn more efficiently,” Divenson said “I was looking for place to be myself and make a difference, all while having a smile on my face.”

Divenson rarely sits still. Not only has he been committed to his coursework, but he also participated on multiple athletic teams, the Black Student Union, the Wildcat Entertainment Board and the Army National Guard (thank you for your service).

“I have a lot of pride for this university,” he said. “I always get in involved wherever I can around campus.”

“I have been the president of the Black Student Union for two years now. I picked it up from my good friend Ray-Ray Crane who started it.”

The student organization provides a family atmosphere and a sense of community for all students looking to connect.

“The program has grown immensely over the last few years,” Divenson said. “I attribute that not just to my own work but to former Linfield President Miles Davis. He would always encourage us to reach out to make people feel welcome. That had an impact.”

The sport management major has also been inspired by Jennifer Madden, dean of the School of Business.

“She always has a positive attitude and is finding new solutions,” he said.

Willis plans to continue learning from Madden and other business faculty members when he enrolls this fall in Linfield’s Master of Science in business program, specializing in design and innovation at Linfield in the fall.

“I want to think the way she thinks,” he said.

“I was recruited by the wrestling team after my football career didn’t work out the way I hoped,” Divenson said. “I have been molded by sport since a young age, so I joined the team. The Linfield community has always been very supportive of me, and the people around you only help you reach your goals”. 

Divenson studied abroad in England during January Term in 2023. There, he took the course “Economics of Association Football (Soccer) in England” with Professor Randy Grant.

“I have such great memories here … and there,” he said. “Study abroad provided me the opportunity to learn a little about the world and to show me that I always need to be expanding.”

His study abroad was made more affordable thanks to the free roundtrip airfare for all first experiences coordinated through Linfield’s International Programs Office. He also received the prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship from the U.S. Department of State.

As Divenson finishes the undergraduate portion of his Linfield experience and earns his bachelor’s degree, he is grateful for those who supported him.

“This picture reminds me of my mom, I look just like her. I want to give thanks to her for giving me this life,” he said. "And, to my mentors who taught me to be your best person, to be your best student and to see how far you can reach.”  

And, while his next chapter involves graduate school at Linfield, the sky is the limit for this motivated and passionate Wildcat.

“This is an important but only a small part of my life,” he said. “I am now prepared. I will forge on. I am a warrior – a Haitian warrior.”